Aritar,Sikkim

• Lampokhari (Aritar Lake) — boating and lakeside views
• Aritar Monastery / local gompas — cultural visits and pujas
• Reshi village and nearby hot springs (local bathing spots)
• Scenic viewpoints and short day-treks through terraced farms
• Quiet traditional Sikkimese villages and homestays

• One of Sikkim's older natural lakes set in a peaceful valley
• Clear Himalayan vistas (including glimpses of higher peaks on good days)
• Rhododendron and mixed broadleaf-pine forests — attractive in spring
• Opportunities for boating on a small, calm mountain lake
• Low-impact, off-the-beaten-track rural tourism with homestay options

• Boating on Lampokhari and lakeside relaxation
• Short treks and nature walks through farms and forests
• Birdwatching and photography of landscapes and local life
• Visiting monasteries, attending or observing local rituals
• Village walks and staying in family-run homestays

• Losar (Tibetan New Year) — celebrated locally in monasteries and villages
• Seasonal monastery pujas and mask-dance performances (check local monastery calendar)
• Spring rhododendron bloom season — informal nature-focused activity for visitors

Best time to visit: March–May (spring, rhododendrons and mild weather) and October–November (clear skies and post-monsoon views).

Cool mountain climate: pleasant days, chilly nights. Heavy rain during monsoon (June–September). Winters (Dec–Feb) are cold, with fog and limited visibility on some days.

Nearest major airport and railhead: Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri (NJP) — then by road (shared cabs or private vehicle). Aritar is accessed via Rangpo/Singtam and local roads from Gangtok region. Road travel involves winding mountain roads; allow extra time for travel during monsoon or winter. Public buses and shared taxis run between regional towns and nearby villages.

1–2 days to relax by the lake and visit nearby sites; 3–4 days if you want to include extended village walks or day-treks.

Pack layered clothing (warm jacket for mornings/evenings), waterproof shell for rain, sturdy walking shoes, hat and sunscreen, basic first-aid/medication. Carry cash for small local purchases.

Try local Sikkimese dishes such as momos, thukpa and local tea; buy handloom products, prayer flags, Buddhist handicrafts and locally produced teas or preserves from village shops and homestays.